Nature & Wildlife
You do not have to go far to encounter wildlife. One of our guests recently made the following comment…
“We enjoyed a lot of wildlife this time in the gardens…hedgehogs, squirrels and birds. We could hear owls nightly which was a real treat”
If you go out into our garden on a clear evening you will understand why Exmoor is known as a Dark Sky Reserve. Telescope hire is available from Exmoor National Park Centre in Dunster, Lynmouth and Dulverton.
Children really enjoy getting back in touch with nature, paddling in the streams, rock pooling on the beach, and escaping from the virtual world of their iPhones and Xbox’s. Throughout the summer there are many local guided events such as expeditions to look for the famous red deer, guided butterfly and fungi walks, rock pooling, and nightjar walks, to name but a few.
Keep children entertained with the Great British Walk (National Trust) 50 things to do before you are 11 3/4, click here.
During your holiday in Porlock why not participate in Exmoor’s Wildwatch campaign and record your sightings of wildlife.
Exmoor Ponies
The Exmoor Pony is the oldest and most primitive breed of pony within the British Isles and they are classed as a rare breed. When driving over the slopes of Dunkery or Porlock Hill one is often lucky enough see herds grazing near the roadside. Every October the ponies are rounded up for inspection and branding by the Exmoor Pony Society
There are approximately 3000 Red Deer on Exmoor, they are the largest wild land animal in Britain, having survived on Exmoor since prehistoric times. There are also Roe Deer and Fallow Deer living within the Exmoor National Park.
The Moorland Mousie Trust at Exmoor Pony Centre host many family friendly events throughout the year. The centre is located not far from Tarr Steps. The charity that works tirelessly for the welfare and promotion of the rare breed Exmoor pony. Meet the ponies, taster sessions and trekking.
Birds
The moorland habitat provides a home to hundreds and species of birds and insects, and Porlock Marshes attracts wildfowl and waders. For further information this Bird Watching Magazine article about Exmoor may be of interest, click here to read.
Butterflies
There are over 30 species of butterflies on Exmoor including the rare Fritillary which you are likely to find on Haddon Hill, overlooking Wimbleball Lake. Click here to see a useful guide to Exmoor’s butterflies.
Foraging
Wild foraging can be incredibly satisfying, depending on the seasons you can harvest blackberries, whortleberries and chestnuts close by. For the more adventurous you could book on Wild Foraging day.